Faculty Syllabus

It is important to attend the first class day!

Grading is based on a combination of Attendance and Attitude.

Attendance means 100% of scheduled classes, present for the entire class.

The first 3 class absences result in a drop of one letter grade (eg. from an A to a B). Each subsequent 2 class absences result in the drop of another letter grade (eg. from B to C). 3 or more absences before the calendar halfway point of a semester will result in the student being dropped from the class. 7 or more absences before the final drop date for a semester will also result in the student being dropped from the class.

Research and writing assignments are possible means of making up absences, only in special cases and limited to only 50% of the absence total, since this class is primarily activity-based.

Attitude means to stay positive at all times when challenged by activities and situations in class.

A short demonstration  of the elements of Tai Chi and the Tai Chi formal exercises taught in the class will be required as an end of semester examination. Similar demonstrations may also be requested at appropriate times during the semester.

It is highly recommended that the student brings a notebook to each class and acquires general and specific information every day. A well kept, meaningful notebook may be accepted as a means of making up 1 class absence, at the sole discretion of the Professor.

Recommended Readings:

Tao Te Ching - Lao Tsu (many translations available, including free web based)

Tai Chi Chuan (Wu Style) pub.1985 Sofia Delza

The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan - Jou, Tsung Hwa (currently o o p)

Tai Chi Touchstones - Douglas Wile (currently o o p)

Tai Chi Ch'uan (also spelled Taijiquan in modern Chinese Pinyin, and often shortened to Tai Chi or Taiji) is a martial art originating in China.

The name of the Art translates freely to "Grand Ultimate Fist", meaning an integrated system of fisticuffs - Ch'uan (empty hand and traditional blade and pole arms) based on the "Grand Ultimate" (literally "Great Ridgepole") principle of universal dualism, Tao. A simpler translation may be "Yin/Yang Boxing".

In modern times, Tai Chi is practiced both as a high level martial art and as a system of developing health and self awareness in a fashion similar to Yoga. Practitioners are encouraged to "major" in one side of the system while "minoring" in the other, which mirrors the dual nature of the Art itself.

Each class will include lessons in the structure, elements and philosophy of Tai Chi, and incremental steps in the acquisition of a traditional Tai Chi formal exercise.

By the end of the semester students will have knowledge, experience and/or ability in one or more of the following areas:

1) The basic principles of Tai Chi Ch'uan

2) The relationship of Tai Chi to other martial arts

3) The role of martial arts in broader society, and connection of martial art principles to other disciplines

4) At least 12 movements in either the Yang Family 24 movement form (Beijing 1957) or the Yang Family Traditional Form (late 19th/early 20th century) , which is variously counted as 81 or 108 movements

5) A set of 6 breathing/movement exercises that simultaneously address personal health and Tai Chi techniques. 

6) Knowledge, skills and abilities that enhance and complement Tai Chi Ch'uan